As if playing at Louisville weren't enough of a challenge, USF will open Big East play even more shorthanded, as the Bulls will face the Cardinals without sophomore point guard Justin Leemow, who hasn't practiced with the team since before Christmas.

Coach Stan Heath said Monday that Leemow had been excused from the first three practices after Christmas so he could attend the baptism of his nephew and niece in New York. He was expected to return to Tampa on Monday, but did not and wasn't on the team flight to Louisville. Heath said Tuesday that Leemow was expected to join the team on Wednesday afternoon, but after missing all the practices in preparation for Louisville, he said "I don't see him playing" against the Cardinals.

Leemow has averaged 20.5 minutes per game this season, and his absence leaves the Bulls with only eight players, including walk-on Ryan Kardok. Leemow was only scoring 2.5 points per game, and USF will get more depth in two games when sophomore point guard Anthony Crater joins the team.

Sophomore forward Gus Gilchrist, continuing his recovery from a severely sprained ankle, did not travel with the team and is continuing treatment, hopeful of a return in mid-January. Heath said senior center Alex Rivas has been cleared by doctors after surgery on both legs but has yet to work in contact situations in practice. Rivas, who is jogging and taking shots on his own after practice, is likely to return in the second half of January.